Greater Manchester launches world-first wellbeing series

Greater Manchester is once again leading the UK in innovation and collaboration, this time with a ground-breaking initiative designed to tackle workplace stress, burnout and loneliness.

Launched last month, the Greater Manchester Wellbeing Series marks a world first in mass-participation events focused entirely on improving workforce wellbeing. With the mission of “Workforce Wellbeing for All,” the programme brings together physical activity, social connection and science-backed mindfulness to support employees across all sectors.

Two flagship events will anchor the series in 2026:

• GM Wellbeing Run & Walk – 21 May 2026, Heaton Park

A welcoming after-work event featuring a 5.5K run and a fully accessible 2K walk, designed for all fitness levels and encouraging teams from every kind of workplace – from large corporates to small shops, schools and micro-businesses.

• Greater Manchester Meditation – 22 October 2026 (Virtual)

A city-region-wide guided meditation delivered online, giving thousands of workers the chance to experience three minutes of calm at one of several daily time slots. The session is based on emerging neuroscience showing how short periods of focus can improve attention, reduce stress and help prevent burnout.

Both events aim to help organisations create healthier employees, stronger teams and a more resilient Greater Manchester.

The GM Wellbeing Series is the creation of Nick Rusling, a figure well known to Greater Manchester’s running and events community. As the former owner of the Manchester Marathon and past CEO of global sporting organisations IMG and ASO (owners of the Tour de France), Rusling has spent decades delivering large-scale events around the world.

Speaking to the Business Podcast with Not Really Here Media, Rusling said Greater Manchester was the natural home for such an ambitious and inclusive wellbeing movement: “Greater Manchester was selected for this UK-first because the region leads when it comes to genuine collaboration and setting global standards for workplace wellbeing.

“Having worked across cities worldwide, this is the best place I’ve ever operated. People welcome ideas with open arms, and they really care.”

Rusling believes the series comes at a critical time.

“Burnout is now a systemic workplace issue,” he said. “Running, walking and meditation are simple, accessible tools that improve focus, reduce stress and help people reset during the pressures of daily life. But the real magic happens when colleagues do them together.”

Drawing on new research from neuroscientists in Geneva, Rusling emphasises that meditation is not spiritual, complicated or mysterious:

“It’s simply training the brain to focus. Three minutes can make an impact, and anyone can do it.”

Crucially for this region, the GM Wellbeing Series has already committed to championing organisations outside the Manchester city centre, including in Tameside, Oldham and Glossop.

The series has become an official wellbeing partner of The Tour – the iconic multi-stage running event created by the late Dr Ron Hill and now delivered by Not Really Here Media Group. Rusling sees The Tour as the perfect example of community-led participation: “The Tour has the right people behind it, people who genuinely care about runners. It’s exactly the kind of event we want to spotlight so teams can keep running together and build on the benefits.”

The GM Wellbeing Series will also support the Tameside and Glossop Business Awards, aligning with their mission to celebrate organisations that put people first.

Rusling stressed the importance of reaching every workplace, not just corporate offices: “This is for florists, funeral parlours, schools, small manufacturers – everyone. We need to show people that wellbeing isn’t just for big shiny city-centre companies. We’ll be out in Tameside, Oldham and Glossop meeting businesses, sharing stories and helping teams get started.”

The initiative has received widespread support from civic and political leaders.

Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council, said: “This is a brilliant opportunity to bring our workforce together while embracing wellbeing in a simple, inclusive way. It aligns with our ambition to be greener, fairer and more inclusive.”

Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, described it as a major statement of values: “Wellbeing shouldn’t be a privilege. The Series gives every organisation, large or small, the chance to make movement and mindfulness part of everyday life. When our workforce thrives, so does Greater Manchester.”

Although the first priority is to deliver success in Greater Manchester, Rusling is already in discussions with leaders in Birmingham and Bristol about expanding the model.

But the heart of the project remains local.

“Success is measured in impact,” he said. “If thousands of people across Tameside, Oldham, Glossop and the rest of Greater Manchester start building healthy habits, running, walking, practising mindfulness, that’s a win. This is about prevention, not crisis.”

Rusling’s message to businesses is simple: “Demonstrate you care. Enter a team. Do it together. It’s fun, it’s inclusive and it shows your colleagues that their wellbeing matters.”

Registration costs £45 per person, with only three team members required for an organisation to unlock access to the full series, including the region-wide meditation event.

For details and team sign-up, visit: www.gmwellbeingseries.com

From left to right: Hermen Dange, founder, Made Running; Nick Rusling, founder & CEO, Greater Manchester Wellbeing Series; Bev Craig, leader, Manchester City Council; Lisa Morton, founder & CEO,  Roland Dransfield.